New cartridge will not align

This seems like too simple a question, but I've tried everything I can think of to resolve the issue. I replaced the black cartridge in my HP Photosmart C4680, as I have done a few times before. The cartridge was a 60XL as called for. I have a Mac 10.6.8 computer. After replacing the cartridge, the printer proceeds to the "align the cartridges" phase, which begins with printing said page. I have followed the instructions seven times, but do not get any black printing (blue comes through and I get an "Important? message in red accompanied by a red arrow curving downwards and a red triangle with an exclamation point in it. I have no idea what that means). I have reinstalled the cartridge several times thinking maybe it was not inserted correctly. I get no error messages. The ink check window shows a full black cartridge of ink. I can't try to print anything because I can not get past the "align cartridges" window on the printer. I have unplugged the system and started over once. Nothing changes. Any suggestings?

Re: New cartridge will not align

11-17-201103:57 AM

Hi sammyg2

Try cleaning the cartridge contacts in case there's some debris there. If that doesn't work I'd suggest contacting HP phone support as you may need a replacement cartridge under warranty. You can first check the warranty ends date here

Re: New cartridge will not align

Try cleaning the cartridge contacts in case there's some debris there. If that doesn't work I'd suggest contacting HP phone support as you may need a replacement cartridge under warranty. You can first check the warranty ends date here

Hope this helps

Ciara

Figure 9: Clean the cartridge contacts

1 - Copper-colored contacts

2 - Ink nozzles (do not touch or clean)

I am an HP employee.I am speaking for myself and not for HP. Twitter: @Ciara_B_HP

Re: New cartridge will not align

I have been presented with exactly the same problem with a friend's Photosmart C4780. She fitted a new HP300 black cartridge and now the printer won't align because it won't print black at all. I cleaned the contacts in the manner illustrated (the cotton bud ended up soiled with what looks like black ink and I had a go at the printer contacts as well) and it still won't print black. I have ordered a new set of cartridges direct from HP and am hoping this will work. In the meantime do you have any other thoughts?

Re: New cartridge will not align

A wild goose chase I am afraid. My friend produced two new cartridges today and when installed the printer tested perfectly. I think she was confused and the 'new' black cartridge she installed wasn't new at all.

Re: New cartridge will not align, printer will not print correctly

My HP Photosmart 7515 printer will not print correctly. Photos came out in weird colors, I replaced all cartridges with new ones. I tried to align cartridges, the printer said "failed to align". I ran the diagnostic utility, it says everything is working correctly. The test page comes out partially printed. This printer is two months old. I replaced the last one because the paper jammed all the time. Suggestions on how to get my printer to print?????

Re: New cartridge will not align

My Hp photosmart 7515 is having the same problem. Alignment keeps failing. The black color is streaking and faded on printouts . I have replace the cartridges several times and I ran the diagnostic utility and etc. Please help

Re: New cartridge will not align

My experience with a friend's printer was that the alignment error was misleading. What she thought was a new black cartridge wasn't. Installing a new set of cartridges straight out of the packaging solved the problem instantly.

Re: New cartridge will not align

I am having the same problem. I put in brand new HP black cartridge and it doesn't align now. Even tells me printer is out of ink and that it's not a genuine hp cartridge. How come hp doesn't even recognize their own cartridges??? This is the last hp I'll ever buy.